Touching players, in general, isn't a good idea, and catchers hate it when umpires touch them. I'm able to adjust where I am in the slot using peripheral vision. Peripheral vision also helps when F2 make a last second adjustment where I need to adjust as well.

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Agree with everyone on this one. It's not a good habit to get into. As an ex-catcher I don't need a massage and usually umpires try to gauge where catchers are by "almost" touching them. This to can become a problem when a catcher moves unexpectedly and your hand grabs him accidentally. Just find the slot, and adjust with your peripheral vision.

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I have never used physical contact with the catcher to do anything. I have only had one collision with a catcher, and it was his fault, not mine. What kind of catcher moves up the third-base line on a fly ball to right field?

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I know my son despised an umpire touching his back. Many guys feel it hampers their ability to move to block balls. I doubt it does but the first time the catcher tells his coach hisn't digging pitches is because the umpire is on his back it is not going to be good. I've heard different reasons for doing it, I agree with none of them.

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The only time I touch the catcher is in the first inning for warmups so I can get behind him and see how he sets and what I need to do to move correctly. I also do during warmups if there is a catcher change. Even then, I am doing it just barely, to get a feel for the catcher. I usually inform him too, while hes taking warmups. Its normally part of my conversation that includes questions like : "Whats your pitcher got today?" and we discuss what his pitcher throws.

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As a former catcher that HATED when umps would touch me, i don't place my hand on a catcher's back. the only times i will touch a catcher is when i shake his hand at introductions, or if he moves inside late.

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I agree with not touching the catcher. I just don't see any reason for that. But it doesn't bother me when others do it. When I do have a partner that does it I mention it at post game and leave it at that.